The Trinity Kitchen has had a facelift this month, and tempted five new food vendors to the space in the process.
The major rebrand has brought the likes of a VW Camper Van to the food court, along with the return of the repurposed horse trailer and re-vamped food vans. Although they're all worth visiting, the sunshine yellow Citreon caught our eye for all the right reasons.
The huge van decked out with a full-size working kitchen for the traders to use is currently inhabited by The Yorkshire Cheese Grill: stocking true Yorkshire meals using local produce.
The Yorkshire Cheese Grill is a true blessing for those working in the city centre searching for reasonably-priced hot food for their lunchtime meal. Expect cheese toasties, halloumi sarnies and cheesy chips aplenty, all with true Yorkshire names that sound all the more crisp when spoken with the true accent.
If you're looking for something a little different that champions Yorkshire produce, the Chuffin' Eck is our recommendation: it's a cheese toastie in a naan bread. Original? You know it. Delicious? We couldn't get enough.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This fine combination of flavours brings the best of Yorkshire out in its cheese choices and combines it with traditional curry staples and spices. Think Fountains Gold and Yorkshire Double Blend with mango chutney, fresh red chili, spring onion, coriander, garlic and cumin all grilled between two thick slices of naan bread.
The concept can't be found anywhere else, as far as we're aware- and it only makes up one of the ten options available from the food truck, so there's plenty for you to try over The Yorkshire Cheese Grill's nine week stint at Trinity Kitchen.
The Fill Thi Boots is your classic toastie dish that shouldn't be skipped upon your visit. It's a Fountains Gold Cheddar and Yorkshire Double Blend with sweet red onion chutney and English mustard, all grilled and toasted between two slices of fresh Yorkshire bloomer.
Vegans needn't skip out this van, there's a grilled vegan version with vegan cheese and garlic spinach cream for you to get your hands on too.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
To get the full menu and have a bite of these unique toasties, head over to Trinity Kitchen throughout February and March to visit the Yorkshire Cheese Grill.
If you're lucky, you might spot the travelling toastie van out and about in Leeds too: there's plenty of pop-ups, including those at Leeds Docks and Chow Down where you can try out some good ol' fashioned Yorkshire-based foodie goodness.
A newcomer to the Leeds foodie scene has been added to the coveted Michelin Guide.
You may remember back in April when a Leeds icon was reborn under a different name.
The Smithfield took over the site that was home to The Reliance for more than two decades, and it's safe to say it exceeded expectations.
The team transformed the site to its former glory, taking the site's exterior back to its memorable dark red. But the efforts to recapture the essence of the iconic old venue go way beyond that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Smithfield, a collaboration between Crooked Brewing and Chef James Donovan, offers simple dining with seasonal food and natural wines.
It's the sort of place where you can rock up for a plate and a glass people watching through the huge window on North Street, or really get stuck into a sharing pie and chips with friends on a Saturday afternoon.
Either way we love it, and it seems we're not the only ones as The Smithfield has been added to the Michelin Guide just five months after opening.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Announcing the great news to Instagram, The Smithfield said: "We’re very pleased and grateful to have been included in the Michelin Guide.
"To get this kind of recognition so early in our journey is a real honour, and one we certainly don’t take for granted.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Thank you to our wonderful guests for your continued support. Also, huge thanks to our brilliant team. The Smithfield is what it is because of your hard work, enthusiasm, energy and diligence. This recognition belongs to you.
"We’re just getting started, and our focus remains the same: creating a welcoming space for our community, serving food and drink we’re proud of, championing great British and local produce, and contributing our small part towards Leeds’ brilliant hospitality scene. The Smithfield."
Iconic Betty’s Tea Room wins gold at 2026 Great British Food Awards
Clementine Hall
Betty's Tea Room has been named among the nation's best by experts.
If you live in Yorkshire, then you will know about Betty's Tea Room.
Its a real institution at this point, known for their exceptional service, exquisite food, beautiful window displays and the iconic cake trolley.
We all know their products are top tier, but they've just had even more recognition at the 2026 Great British Awards.
Announced in London, Betty's won gold for their Yorkshire Shortbread Biscuits which were judged by Cherish Finden, internationally renowned pastry chef.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Judging in the Sweet Biscuits category was led by Cherish Finden, best known as a judge on Bake Off: The Professionals.
She said: "A well-made traditional shortbread with a lovely buttery flavour, balanced sweetness and a subtle touch of salt that enhances the overall taste. The delicate, crumbly texture makes it particularly pleasant to eat.
"Overall, it is a very enjoyable and satisfying shortbread. I could eat the whole packet with a cup of tea."
Gavin Johnson, head of bakery operations at Bettys Craft Bakery, said: "We are incredibly proud that our Yorkshire Shortbread has been awarded a Gold Medal at The Great British Food Awards 2026.
"This recognition reflects the enduring values of Bettys, the finest ingredients, best quality, traditional craftsmanship and a deep connection to our Yorkshire roots.
"Most importantly, the award belongs to the talented bakery team, whose skill, passion and care go into making our Yorkshire shortbread every day.
"Their commitment to excellence helps ensure that our products reflect the heritage, quality and attention to detail that customers have associated with Bettys for generations."
Sophie Smith -
14th February 2022 
